A Lower Macungie Township couple were killed when their 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 motorcycle was struck head-on by a 2020 Freightliner van just after 3 p.m. June 21 on Route 145, north of Clearview Road, North Whitehall Township.

According to Lehigh County Coroner Eric Minnich, Robert J. O’Rourke, 55, was pronounced dead 3:55 p.m. at the scene by Lehigh County Deputy Coroner Rachel Tallarico.

His passenger, Mary C. O’Rourke, 54, was pronounced dead at 3:56 p.m. by Tallarico.

An autopsy was scheduled for June 23 to determine the cause and manner of their deaths.

According to State Police Troop M, Bethlehem, the van, driven by Devon M. Lindeman, 22, of Freemansburg was traveling south.

The motorcycle, operated by Robert O’Rourke was northbound when they collided.

Police say Lindeman was negotiating a left curve in the roadway when the van veered off the west side shoulder.

The van continued traveling on the west side shoulder for approximately 34 feet before re-entering the southbound lane of travel.

Lindeman attempted to regain control of the truck but apparently overcompensated and veered into the northbound lane with the van striking the motorcycle.

According to police, the O’Rourkes were thrown from the bike into an embankment on the east side of the roadway.

The bike slid for approximately 19 feet south before coming to a final rest on the east side shoulder of Route 145, police said.

The truck continued east, struck a metal guide rail on the east side shoulder of the roadway and then hit an embankment where it rotated approximately 45 degrees clockwise before coming to a final rest in the embankment facing south.

Police said Lindeman, who was wearing his seat belt, was transported by Northampton Regional Ambulance to Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township, for a possible injury.

According to police, he was charged with a traffic violation.

In addition to the coroner’s office, State Police, Troop M, Bethlehem, and the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office are assisting in the investigation.